Vice President – International Development

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Minnesota.

📋 Description

• Take charge of the international development initiative focused on new market entry and the expansion of existing markets.

• Identify and evaluate brand partners, presenting partnership recommendations to the Executive Review Committee.

• Create and maintain a prioritized pipeline for target and expansion markets.

• Formulate market-entry strategies along with multi-year development roadmaps.

• Keep track of macroeconomic factors, foreign exchange rates, trade barriers, and real estate conditions that impact development.

• Negotiate development agreements while ensuring franchisees fulfill their development commitments.

• Oversee international development processes including site selection, approvals, closures, renewals, and franchisee approvals.

• Lead design, real estate, site selection, and construction facilitation for international franchisees.

• Manage project execution for initial sites in new markets, ensuring readiness for opening and effective cross-functional coordination.

• Evaluate the financial health of franchisees, their capital structures, growth preparedness, business plans, and financial projections.

• Supervise transactional activities involving acquisitions, divestitures, investments, and financial restructurings.

• Organize international franchise expos and prepare related sales materials.

• Collaborate with Concept Development, Marketing, Supply Chain, R&D, Legal, and other internal teams.

• Monitor and enforce existing development commitments and assist in the collection of area and store fees.

⛳️ Requirements

• A bachelor's degree is required, or equivalent education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Over 12 years of senior-level experience in international restaurant franchising, encompassing development, franchise finance, and M&A transactions.

• Experience in QSR or fast-casual sectors is preferred, particularly across various global concepts at scale.

• Domestic franchising experience is advantageous.

• Knowledge in finance, banking, legal, or transactional fields is beneficial.

• Experience living or working internationally is a plus.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential.

• Capability to construct and assess business plans and financial models related to returns and capital planning.

• Strong sales, negotiation, and deal-making abilities, complemented by an established international franchising network.

• Cross-cultural fluency and international awareness are required.

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple parallel projects under tight deadlines.

• Self-motivated, capable of driving outcomes independently without extensive oversight.

• Proven ability to collaborate within a matrixed organization and coordinate cross-functional efforts to completion.

• Familiarity with FCPA and Sarbanes-Oxley regulations.

• Willingness to travel frequently, up to 70%, often on short notice.

• Must be able to obtain a passport and necessary visas.

• Availability to work evenings and occasional weekends across international time zones.

• Capacity to travel on flights lasting up to 16 hours and conduct site visits in various markets.

• Must have authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

🏝️ Benefits

• Eligibility for bonuses.

• Comprehensive medical insurance.

• Dental insurance coverage.

• 401(k) matching program.

• Paid time off.

• Volunteer time off.

• Parental leave policy.